Doing a bit of thinking lately about these wacky online journals we all keep lately, and what it means. First, there are my blogging rules:

1. I never write anything about the companies I work for. (Other than, possibly, something like, "Gah. Today at work was insane." Note: Today at work will probably not be insane. Last Friday, on the other hand? So much insanity.) I may mention something funny said by someone I work with, but I would only post it using rule #2...
2. I don't use my friends' real names in the blog, unless they have blogs of their own. Those that do have blogs are obviously ok with their names being out there on the Internet, but I don't feel it's my place to make that choice for anyone else. Right now I use initials. Because that makes for annoying reading sometimes, I'm thinking about switching to nicknames. Can I call you Spanky?
   
3. While I may, from time to time, write a blog entry mostly because I hope a certain person will read it (this happens most often with guys I am dating, thinking about dating, or have dated) I am even more careful about protecting the identity of those persons. Which is why I won't be linking to the lyrics of a Joni Mitchell song I find very apropos lately. ;)
   

So I guess that's it. My triumverate of rules. Few, but important.

Now, as far as whether I'm the same person online as I am off? For the most part, I think they're pretty similar. I won't say anything on my website or in email that I wouldn't say to someone in person, but I do find it easier to "say" things in type sometimes. For example, if you know me in real life, you've probably been shocked if I use the word fuck, because I use it so sparingly. (Good profanity has more impact if it's doled out in small doses!) And yet, in an email yesterday to I want all hot tubs cold, I used the sentence, "How the fuck are you, cocksucker?" Those words are in there ("there" being my brain), they just don't come out that often in my spoken conversation.

I sent another email yesterday asking someone a question I may or may not have ever gotten around to asking in person. When I can have the shield of the computer screen it makes those things just a little bit easier to say. And if there's one thing I've learned in the past few years, it's always better to take a chance than to regret the chance you didn't take. Every time I open myself up and speak what's in my heart I find that I grow by the experience. And if I still sometimes have to open myself up in type rather than in person, well, it's better than never saying anything at all.

So, anyway, what you read is pretty much what you get. Welcome to my head.